Modular monitoring device and modular monitoring system

Abstract

The utility model provides a modular monitoring device and a modular monitoring system, the modular monitoring device comprises at least one sensing module, the sensing module comprises a sensing sensor and a camera assembly, and the sensing sensor and the camera assembly are used for collecting monitoring information of a monitored environment; the connecting main body is provided with a plurality of connecting nodes, and the sensing sensor or the camera assembly is connected to the connecting nodes; and the processor is in communication connection with each group of sensing modules, and the processor is used for receiving and analyzing the monitoring information. By adopting the scheme, the number of the sensing modules can be freely expanded or reduced according to the monitoring requirement, and the modular design of each group of sensing modules can more effectively adapt to the monitoring requirement and the expansion requirement.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of intelligent monitoring, in particular to a modular monitoring device and a modular monitoring system. BACKGROUND

[0002] As a sub-category different from Secure Camera (security camera), Garden Camera (vegetation camera) mainly meets the needs of users for shooting and recording specific scenes, especially for shooting scenes such as flowers, plants, birds and insects in the garden. In view of this characteristic, higher requirements are put forward for the miniaturization, modularity, portability and concealment, high endurance and AI recognition of the system.

[0003] At present, wireless IPC (IP Camera, network camera) is mainly used to achieve the purpose of convenient deployment. Although this mobile battery type IPC is easier to deploy than wired products, and can realize continuous endurance by matching solar charging, it also has many defects. First, the IPC module cannot realize miniaturized design because it contains modules such as battery, wireless transmission and camera. This greatly affects the concealment experience, thereby indirectly affecting the activities of plants and animals. CONTENT OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a modular monitoring device and a modular monitoring system to freely expand or reduce the number of sensing modules according to monitoring needs, and the modular design of each group of sensing modules can more effectively adapt to monitoring needs and expansion requirements.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present application provides a modular monitoring device, comprising:

[0006] At least one group of sensing modules, the sensing module comprising a sensing sensor and a camera assembly, the sensing sensor and the camera assembly being used to collect monitoring information of a monitored environment;

[0007] A connection body, the connection body being provided with a plurality of connection nodes, the connection nodes being connected with the sensing sensor or the camera assembly;

[0008] A processor, the processor being in communication connection with each group of sensing modules, the processor being used to receive and analyze the monitoring information.

[0009] In some embodiments of the present application, the connection body is provided with a bendable support column, and the connection nodes are arranged on the support column.

[0010] In some embodiments of the present application, the sensing sensor and the camera assembly are detachably connected to the connection nodes.

[0011] In some embodiments of this application, the at least one set of sensing modules includes a first sensing module and a second sensing module, wherein the types of modules included in the first sensing module are different from those included in the second sensing module, and / or the number of modules included in the first sensing module is different from the number of modules included in the second sensing module.

[0012] In some embodiments of this application, the connecting body includes a first connecting part and a second connecting part, the first connecting part and the second connecting part are detachably connected, and the connecting node is provided on the first connecting part and / or the second connecting part.

[0013] In some embodiments of this application, the connection body is set as a background biomimetic body that matches the monitored environment.

[0014] In some embodiments of this application, the connecting body is configured to be flexible.

[0015] In some embodiments of this application, the connection body is provided with a plurality of connection nodes, which are used to connect to the sensing module.

[0016] In some embodiments of this application, the modular monitoring device further includes a power supply module. The connection node is provided with a first power supply pin, a second power supply pin, a first signal pin, and a second signal pin. The power supply module is powered through the first power supply pin and the second power supply pin, and the processor transmits data through the first signal pin and the second signal pin.

[0017] In some embodiments of this application, the camera assembly is connected to the first power pin, the second power pin, the first signal pin, and the second signal pin, and the sensing sensor is connected to the first power pin and the second power pin.

[0018] In some embodiments of this application, the modular monitoring device further includes a connecting cable, through which the processor is connected to the sensing module; and / or, the processor is wirelessly connected to the sensing module.

[0019] Secondly, this application provides a modular monitoring system, including an electronic terminal and any of the modular monitoring devices described above, wherein the electronic terminal is communicatively connected to the processor and is used to forward the data analyzed by the processor to the user terminal.

[0020] The aforementioned modular monitoring device and system allow for flexible expansion or reduction of the number of sensing modules based on monitoring needs. The modular design of each sensing module group more effectively adapts to monitoring requirements and expansion needs. Simplifying the functions of the sensing modules, ensuring that each module only has information acquisition capabilities, and miniaturizing each module within the sensing module contributes to greater concealment during deployment, reducing the impact on the monitored object. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the modular monitoring device in the embodiments of this application;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the modular monitoring device in the embodiments of this application;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the modular monitoring device in the embodiments of this application;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the modular monitoring device in the embodiments of this application;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the modular monitoring device in the embodiments of this application;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the connection node in the embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the processor and the connection body in an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the modular monitoring system in the embodiments of this application;

[0030] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the modular monitoring system in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0032] In the description of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0033] In the description of this application, the word "for example" is used to mean "used as an example, illustration, or description." Any embodiment described as "for example" in this application is not necessarily to be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments. The following description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to implement and use the present invention. Details are set forth in the following description for purposes of explanation. It should be understood that those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention can be implemented without using these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and processes will not be described in detail to avoid obscuring the description of the present invention with unnecessary detail. Therefore, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is consistent with the broadest scope of the principles and features disclosed in this application.

[0034] See Figure 1 This application provides a modular monitoring device, which includes a processor 100, a connection body 200, and at least one set of sensing modules 300.

[0035] The sensing module 300 includes a sensing sensor 310 and a camera assembly 320. The sensing sensor 310 and camera assembly 320 are used to collect monitoring information of the monitored environment. The processor 100 is communicatively connected to each sensing module 300. The sensing sensor 310 and camera assembly 320 send the collected monitoring information to the processor 100, which analyzes and processes the monitoring information to obtain environmental monitoring data. It should be noted that the number of sensing modules 300 connected to the processor 100 is not limited; it can be one, two, or more, and can be freely configured according to monitoring needs.

[0036] The connection body 200 is used to support and carry each sensing module 300. Therefore, the connection body 200 is provided with a number of connection nodes 210, and the sensing sensors 310 or camera components 320 are connected to the connection nodes 210. It should be noted that the processor 100 can be integrated inside the connection body 200 or it can be a separate device.

[0037] In this embodiment, each module in the sensing module 300 only has information acquisition function and no data processing function. Simplifying the function of the sensing module 300 enables the miniaturization of each module in the sensing module 300. Based on the miniaturization of each module, the arrangement of each module in the sensing module 300 is more concealed, reducing the impact on the monitored object.

[0038] In addition, the number of sensing modules 300 can be freely expanded or reduced according to monitoring needs. The modular design of each sensing module 300 can more effectively adapt to monitoring needs and expansion requirements.

[0039] In one embodiment, when the monitored environment is complex, such as when there is a lot of vegetation and the growth direction of the vegetation is uncontrollable, in order to better arrange the sensing sensor 310 and the camera assembly 320, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the connecting body 200 is provided with a bendable support column. The support column is provided with a connection node 210. By bending the support column, the sensing sensor 310 and the camera assembly 320 connected to the connection node 210 on the support column can be moved to a suitable monitoring position.

[0040] Furthermore, the connecting body 200 includes a rigid part and a flexible part. The rigid part serves as a fixed support, while the flexible part is easy to adapt to complex monitoring environments. Connection nodes 210 may or may not be provided on the rigid part and the flexible part.

[0041] In one embodiment, the sensing sensor 310 and the camera assembly 320 are detachably connected to the connection node 210, so the sensing sensor 310 and the camera assembly 320 at each location can be replaced according to monitoring needs. For example, a short-focus camera at a certain location can be replaced with a long-focus camera based on different monitoring needs, or the sensing sensor 310 at a certain location can be replaced with the camera assembly 320.

[0042] The connection method between the sensing sensor 310 and the camera assembly 320 and the connection node 210 is not limited. Considering the size of the modules such as the sensing sensor 310 and the camera assembly 320 and the convenience of installation, the connection method can be magnetic or plug-in. Among them, when the connection method is magnetic, the contact surface between the sensing sensor 310 and the camera assembly 320 and the connection node 210 can be flat, with a simple structure, or it can be a concave-convex surface contact, with a more reliable structure and a lower risk of falling off.

[0043] Furthermore, the connection method of each connection node 210 of the main body 200 can be uniformly set to one type, or multiple connection methods can coexist. However, the different module types in the sensing module 300 do not affect the connection of the connection node 210. That is, the connection node 210 is universal for all modules in the sensing module 300 and can be compatible. The same connection node 210 can connect to the sensing sensor 310, the camera component 320, and other modules.

[0044] Based on the universality and compatibility of the connection node 210, the modules in each sensing module 300 can be connected to any connection node 210. Therefore, the sensing modules 300 are classified according to the monitoring requirements. The modules of the same sensing module 300 cooperate to execute a monitoring strategy. The actual positions of the modules of the same sensing module 300 may be close to each other or far apart. The processor 100 independently processes the monitoring information collected by each module of each sensing module 300 without interfering with each other.

[0045] In one embodiment, at least one set of sensing modules 300 includes a first sensing module and a second sensing module, wherein the types of modules included in the first sensing module are different from those included in the second sensing module, and / or the number of modules included in the first sensing module is different from the number of modules included in the second sensing module.

[0046] For example, the first sensing module includes a camera assembly, a temperature and humidity sensor, and a water level detection sensor, while the second sensing module includes two camera assemblies, two temperature and humidity sensors, and a soil detection sensor.

[0047] In other words, when the processor 100 is connected to multiple sets of sensing modules 300, the types of modules included in each set of sensing modules 300 and the number of each type of module can be the same or different. Therefore, different sensing modules 300 can be freely expanded as needed.

[0048] Furthermore, since each module in the sensing module 300 only has the function of information acquisition, and the data processing is completed by the processor 100, it is not necessary to add additional processing units to expand different sensing modules 300, thus reducing the expansion cost. The scale of the expanded sensing module 300 depends on the processing power of the processor 100.

[0049] In one embodiment, at least one set of sensing modules 300 are arranged in the environment to be monitored, and each set of sensing modules 300 monitors its respective monitoring object. The processor 100 does not need to be arranged in the environment to be monitored, reducing the number of devices arranged in the environment and improving the convenience of module arrangement in the environment to be monitored. Furthermore, since the arrangement location is not required, the processor 100 will not affect the environment to be monitored, and modules with arbitrary functions can be set in the processor 100 as needed.

[0050] In one embodiment, the connection body 200 includes at least two connection parts. Each connection part may or may not have a connection node 210. The number of connection nodes 210 provided on different connection parts may be the same or different.

[0051] At least two connecting parts are included, including a first connecting part and a second connecting part. The first connecting part and the second connecting part are detachably connected, and the connection method is not limited. The first connecting part and / or the second connecting part are provided with connecting nodes 210. Therefore, the number of connecting parts in the connecting body 200 can be increased or decreased according to the number of modules in the sensing module 300 that need to be connected, while facilitating the adjustment of the points that can be monitored.

[0052] In one embodiment, the connecting body 200 is set as a background biomimetic object that matches the monitored environment. For example, the connecting body 200 is set as the stem of a plant that matches the environment, so that it can be better integrated into the monitoring environment. On the one hand, it increases the aesthetics and concealment, and on the other hand, it is easier to attract small animals to be photographed, such as bees and butterflies.

[0053] It should be noted that, considering the complexity of background objects in the monitored environment and the possibility of the connecting body 200 being rearranged and reused in different locations, the connecting body 200 is designed to be flexible. For example, when the connecting body 200 is disguised as a similar plant in the monitored environment, the connecting body 200 has the same flexible shape as a plant. Similarly, the connecting body 200 is provided with multiple connecting nodes 210, which are used to connect to the sensing sensor 310 or camera assembly 320 in the sensing module 300.

[0054] In one embodiment, the modular monitoring device further includes a power supply module. A first power supply pin, a second power supply pin, a first signal pin, and a second signal pin are provided at the connection node 210. The power supply module supplies power to the module connected to the first power supply pin and the second power supply pin, and the processor 100 transmits data to the module connected to the first signal pin and the second signal pin.

[0055] In one embodiment, the sensing module 300 connected to the connection node 210 of the connection body 200 is divided into four categories: The first category does not require power from a power supply module and is wirelessly connected to the processor 100; this type of module is not connected to the first power pin, the second power pin, the first signal pin, or the second signal pin. The second category does not require power from a power supply module and is wiredly connected to the processor; this type of module is not connected to the first power pin or the second power pin, but is connected to the first signal pin and the second signal pin. The third category requires power from a power supply module and is wirelessly connected to the processor; this type of module is connected to the first power pin and the second power pin, but not to the first signal pin and the second signal pin. The fourth category requires power from a power supply module and is wiredly connected to the processor; this type of module is connected to the first power pin and the second power pin, and is connected to the first signal pin and the second signal pin.

[0056] Since the camera assembly 320 transmits image data, in order to ensure transmission efficiency and avoid data loss, it is preferable that the camera assembly 320 and the processor 100 have a wired communication connection.

[0057] In one embodiment, the modular monitoring device further includes a connecting cable. The processor 100 is connected to the module in the sensing module 300 via the connecting cable. Since the connected module does not need to be equipped with a wireless data transmission structure, the module size can be further reduced, making it more compact, easier to deploy, and improving concealment.

[0058] The processor 100 and the modules in the sensing module 300 can also be connected wirelessly, with communication methods including but not limited to Sub-1G / Lora / Zigbee / BLE / Thread / Z-Wave. The wireless communication module has more freedom in its placement and arrangement. If it does not require a power supply module, the module does not need to be connected to the connection node 210 and can be freely placed in any location.

[0059] In one embodiment, the modular monitoring device also includes a solar module to provide power in multiple ways. However, since solar energy fluctuates dynamically, it needs to go through the battery pack of the processor 100 to directly provide stable power to each module in the sensing module 300. Therefore, the solar module is connected to the processor 100 via a connecting wire to provide power to the processor 100.

[0060] The modular monitoring device described in the above embodiments is illustrated below with examples. Figure 3 As shown, there are four types of equipment in the modular monitoring device, which can be analogously referred to as "root", "leaf", "stem" and "fruit".

[0061] The "root" acts as the processor 100 (Control Center), containing the main wireless transmission and power supply units; it is responsible for connecting the "leaf" and "fruit" devices with the user's electronic terminal.

[0062] The "leaves" mainly consist of the sensing sensor 310 (a type of sensor) and the solar panel block 330. The interfaces on the "stem" are only power and GND. For the solar panel block 330, the output goes to the "stem," meaning the solar panel block powers the processor 100 (Control Center). The sensing sensor 310 primarily draws power from the "stem" to replenish its internal battery. It should be noted that other types of sensor modules can also be added based on other needs.

[0063] The "Fruit" component, Camera Block 320, is a "Fruit" type device primarily responsible for image acquisition. The "Stem" interface, in addition to the power supply, also has a USB port. It connects to the "Root" via USB to achieve high-speed image transmission / live streaming. By using wired data transmission, it minimizes unnecessary modules in "Fruit" type devices.

[0064] The "stem" serves as the main connector 200 for all devices and does not handle signal transmission for the "leaves." This means that data transmission for "leaf" devices does not depend on the main connector 200 (wireless methods such as Sub-1G / Lora / Zigbee / BLE / Thread / Z-Wave, etc., can be used). All "leaf" and "fruit" device types use the same connection nodes (Branch Port interface) and are compatible with each other. The connection method can be a convenient magnetic connection.

[0065] In addition, to ensure the reliability of signal transmission, the connection between the main body 200 (stem) and the processor 100 (root) can be designed in two ways: a Type-C wired connection or a reliable magnetic connection.

[0066] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the modular monitoring device includes a processor 100 (Control Center), a camera block 320, a sensor 310, a solar panel block 330, and a floodlight block 340.

[0067] The processor 100 (Control Center) includes a branch port, a main control chip (SOC / CPU), Bluetooth (BLE), wireless transmission (Sub-1G MCU), a WIFI module, a charging IC (Charger), and a battery pack (BackupBatteries).

[0068] The camera block 320 includes a branch port, an image processing unit (Isp), an image sensor, backup batteries, and removable lenses.

[0069] The Solar Panels Block 330 includes a branch port and solar panels.

[0070] The Floodlight Block 340 includes a branch port, backup batteries, wireless transmission (Sub-1G MCU), driver chip, and LEDs.

[0071] The sensing sensor 310 can be configured according to different monitoring needs, including but not limited to the temperature and humidity sensor module 311 (Temperature / Humidity Block), the water level detection sensor module 312 (Water Level Monitor Block), and the soil detection sensor module 313 (Soil Monitor Block). The sensing sensor 31 includes a branch port, a backup battery, wireless transmission (Sub-1G MCU), and detection sensors with corresponding functions.

[0072] The connecting nodes of the connecting body 200 are magnetic structures. The connecting body 200 can be designed in a tree shape, with a magnetic structure at the end of each branch. The magnetic structures are as follows: Figure 6 As shown. The Branch Port here is the connection node responsible for connecting the various modules in the sensing module 300. The Branch Port network mainly includes power and USB signals. For sensor devices, since the sensor itself does not have a USB signal, these devices will not use the USB signal after connection; however, the camera assembly 320 requires USB to transmit images. The Branch Port design meets the following requirements:

[0073] 1. Foolproof design, such as setting notches or protrusions in any position;

[0074] 2. The signal interface includes "USB_DP", "USB_DM", VCC, GND, and 4 signal lines. During the magnetic attraction process, GND contacts first, meaning the length of the GND pin must be longer than the other three signal lines. (For sensor devices, only two contacts, VCC and GND, can contact the magnetic structure at the end of the branch. The camera assembly 320 and other devices that require USB connections retain all four contact points.)

[0075] A processor 100 contains multiple USB ports (or other types of data interfaces). Each USB port (or other type of data interface) can expand into a "stem system," thereby correspondingly expanding the necessary sensor and camera modules on the stem system to achieve the expansion of different areas and different types of sensors. The number and complexity of the expanded systems can be continuously increased by improving the processing power of the processor 100. It should be noted that the expansion dock ID is completely identical to that of the processor 100; the difference is that the expansion dock does not contain a main control unit and only serves the purpose of expanding the "stem" system. Figure 7 As shown, the processor 100 is connected to the expansion dock via a USB port (or other type of data interface). Furthermore, the expansion dock facilitates the connection and installation of another sensing module 300 via its connection body 200; therefore, the form factor of the expansion dock can be freely designed according to installation requirements.

[0076] In some embodiments of this application, a modular monitoring system is provided, including an electronic terminal and a modular monitoring device as described in any of the above embodiments. The electronic terminal 400 is communicatively connected to a processor 100, and the electronic terminal 400 is used to forward data analyzed by the processor 100 to a user terminal. Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the electronic terminal 400 and the processor 100 can transmit data via wired or wireless means. The electronic terminal 400 is used to forward environmental monitoring data to the user terminal (e.g., a user terminal APP) and does not require further data processing.

[0077] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes in the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. The computer program can be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, it can include the processes of the embodiments of the methods described above. Any references to memory, storage, databases, or other media used in the embodiments provided in this application can include at least one of non-volatile and volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can include read-only memory (ROM), magnetic tape, floppy disk, flash memory, or optical storage, etc. Volatile memory can include random access memory (RAM) or external cache memory. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM can be in various forms, such as static random access memory (SRAM) or dynamic random access memory (DRAM), etc.

[0078] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0079] The above provides a detailed description of a modular monitoring device and modular monitoring system provided in the embodiments of this application. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principle and implementation of this utility model. The description of the above embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core idea of ​​this utility model. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation and application scope based on the idea of ​​this utility model. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

Claims

1. A modular monitoring device, characterized by, include: At least one set of sensing modules, the sensing module including a sensing sensor and a camera assembly, the sensing sensor and the camera assembly being used to collect monitoring information of the monitored environment; A connecting body is provided with a plurality of connecting nodes, and the sensing sensor or the camera assembly is connected to the connecting nodes; A processor is communicatively connected to each of the sensing modules and is used to receive and analyze the monitoring information.

2. The modular monitoring device of claim 1, wherein, The connecting body is provided with a bendable support column, and the support column is provided with the connecting node.

3. The modular monitoring device of claim 1, wherein, The sensing sensor and the camera assembly are detachably connected to the connection node.

4. The modular monitoring device of claim 1, wherein, The at least one set of sensing modules includes a first sensing module and a second sensing module, wherein the types of modules included in the first sensing module are different from those included in the second sensing module, and / or the number of modules included in the first sensing module is different from the number of modules included in the second sensing module.

5. The modular monitoring device of claim 1, wherein, The connecting body includes a first connecting part and a second connecting part, the first connecting part and the second connecting part are detachably connected, and the connecting node is provided on the first connecting part and / or the second connecting part.

6. The modular monitoring device of claim 1, wherein, The connection body is designed as a background biomimetic object that matches the monitored environment.

7. The modular monitoring device of claim 6, wherein, The connecting body is designed to be flexible.

8. The modular monitoring device of claim 6, wherein, The connection body is provided with a plurality of connection nodes, which are used to connect to the sensing module.

9. The modular monitoring device of claim 5, wherein, The modular monitoring device also includes a power supply module. The connection node is provided with a first power supply pin, a second power supply pin, a first signal pin, and a second signal pin. The power supply module is powered through the first power supply pin and the second power supply pin, and the processor transmits data through the first signal pin and the second signal pin.

10. The modular monitoring device of claim 9, wherein, The camera assembly is connected to the first power pin, the second power pin, the first signal pin, and the second signal pin, and the sensing sensor is connected to the first power pin and the second power pin.

11. The modular monitoring device of claim 1, wherein, The modular monitoring device further includes a connecting cable, through which the processor is connected to the sensing module; and / or, the processor is wirelessly connected to the sensing module.

12. A modular monitoring system, characterized by The device includes an electronic terminal and a modular monitoring device as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the electronic terminal is communicatively connected to the processor and is used to receive data analyzed by the processor.

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